Using our best-loved tunes to keep away the blues.
Music Brings Happiness
Shakespeare wrote ‘If music be the food of love, play on’, but music isn’t just about love, it can be about a whole range of emotions. We all have favorite pieces of music; songs that we know made us smile things that we sing along to. Different songs make us react in different ways and we all know which songs will bring up the corners of our mouth when we need a boost; which songs will make us dance around the room as if no one is watching. There are times when I am feeling a little low I know I can put on some of my favorite music, and my mood will be lifted as the song plays. I have to admit that when I listen to Bruce Springsteen I can really start rocking.
Music can help us concentrate as we work out in the gym, providing us with a rhythm to keep up to, or help us concentrate as we write that report or letter. It can help us switch off when we’ve had a stressful day. My Hubby loves nothing better than putting on some music and shutting out the rest of the world for a while. He comes out with a smile on his face and ready to take on the rest of the day. I love it when he does this, because I know he is going to find some renewed happiness.
We all connect these songs with moments of our lives. They trigger feelings and memories for us, taking us back to pleasant times, or just triggering off the feelings we had when we heard those songs. Psychologists say we can anchor feelings we want to with certain trigger songs so whenever we feel we need a happiness boost we know what songs to listen to, to cheer us up. I remember standing on a beach as a young girl with a friend, our trousers rolled up to our knees and our feet in the sea. It was early evening and the warm sun was disappearing behind the waves. As we stood there enjoying our vacation we both started to sing the same song, belting out the words and grinning at each other. The memory and the song still make me smile, to this day.
Different studies over the years have shown that singing is very beneficial for us. They have shown singing can lower your heart rate, decrease your blood pressure and your stress levels and even boost your immune system. Even listening to and playing music can help your health and happiness. It is said that Thomas Jefferson used his violin to help him write The Declaration of Independence. Whenever he was finding it hard to concentrate he would pick up his violin and play!
Then, there’s the soundtrack to your best loved films. Film music is there to make us react to the plot of the film, it can build up the tension in a thriller, or make us feel happy or sad with the characters, helping us follow their journey for that two hours. How many people listen to the soundtrack from their favorite films, reliving the experience and emotions from it?
So next time you need a boost, go to your music collection and pick out songs that makes you feel better about the world, that makes you dance around the room with your kids or partner (or even just reminds you of the time you did that).
Failing that, turn on your favorite radio station and sing along to a few songs!
Here is to your happiness within and let the music play. What are your favorite songs?
Debbie
Debbie, I love music and it always lifts my mood.
I listen primarily to flamenco and bossa nova.
.-= John Soares @ Time Management Techniques´s last blog ..Middle-Aged Brains Actually Work Quite Well =-.
Those are good choices John. Basso nova I’ll go for that. I really is amazing what music can do for ones mood.
It is like soothing the soul.
Have a great day and enjoy the music, John
Debbie
Twitter: andrewrondeau
says:
Music definitely makes me happy but it can also make me sad! It really depends upon the music and lyrics.
But let’s concentrate on happy music…
September by Earth, Wind and Fire has to be my all time fav. Always makes me want to dance.
I do have a CD called ‘Happy songs’ – I need to dig it out!
Andrew
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Win The Latest 8G iPod Nano: Enter The Simple IncomeBloggingGuide.com Contest =-.
I like some of Earth, Wind and Fire. When it comes to sad music that is how I have taken a lot of country and western music. Now those song can be sad. Maybe that is why I don’t listen or like country music. I have to say though they are getting in the grove a little more with it.
Thanks Andrew and keep the music playing and have that dance.
Debbie
Hi Debbie, I find music a beautiful gift. I listen to easy listening when I work and drive. Classical and peaceful to relax and I love live music and the atmosphere. It brings so many joys if you fill up your body with the energy and love of the sounds. Thanks for a wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading.
Hi Richard,
You a welcome and so right when it comes to music filling your body with energy. Live concerts are great. The easy listening is very relaxing I listen to that when I need to relax.
Have a wonderful happy day and keep the music playing.
Debbie
Love the blog…people are missing out not using stress relief methods more
Hi Daniel,
Yes, we all need to learn to manage stress. I always say, “Let go and let God” to manage my stress, but sure do enjoy that music to help me do this.
Have a wonder week
Debbie
pretty useful stuff, overall I think this is worth a bookmark, thank you
Thank you for the bookmark. I try not to let you down when it comes to your happiness. What kind of music helps bring on your happiness?
May you be blessed with happiness,
Debbie
Love the blog…people are missing out not using stress relief methods more
Music can help very much when it comes to stress.
Take care and may you always be blessed with happiness,
Debbie
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Thank you and music does make a great difference in ones life. We need people like you out there. Thanks again
let the music sing out for happiness.
Debbie
I’d like to say that you always offer valid information and I have been an fascinated reader of your site for quite some time. I wanted to say thankyou really
for all the good work you do!
Thank you very much. Your words are really appreciated. And you are welcome. I see you are in the music business and this is great. Music makes the heart sing. You have a wonderful day and evening.
Debbie
I completely agree that music is a component to happiness, if it is the right kind of music. Like Shakespeare said, it can be a window to a wide swatch of emotions. You just have to ensure that you are listening to music that uplifts you, whatever that may be.
I do agree with you. It has to be music that up lifts me. For me that would be the East Street Band and Bruce Springsteen. They can really get me motivated and moving in the right direction. Thanks for stopping by.
Debbie